Rutgers Experts Can Discuss 2019 Hurricane Season Outlook in N.J.

New Brunswick, N.J. (May 31, 2019) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick experts are available for interviews on the outlook for the 2019 hurricane season in New Jersey, the state’s vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms, and its tropical cyclone history.

Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean runs from June 1 through November 30 each year, although cyclones can arise in other months, according to the National Hurricane Center. For example, the center issued advisories on Subtropical Storm Andrea last month.

“My guess is the seasonal outlook will be for something close to the long-term average,” said David A. Robinson, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geography and New Jersey State Climatologist since 1991. “Of course, the take home point is that it only takes one storm to wreak havoc and make it a memorable season. No one should change vacation plans, that’s for sure. But it is always wise, especially when venturing down the coast, to keep an eye on the forecast and heed the warnings and directions of emergency management officials should a storm threaten.”

Meteorologist Steve Decker, associate teaching professor and director of the Meteorology Undergraduate Program in the Department of Environmental Sciences, can discuss the ingredients that go into the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecast for the hurricane season. “The threat of hurricane activity affecting New Jersey is highest in August, September and October,” he said.

Anthony J. Broccoli, a professor who chairs the Department of Environmental Sciences and co-directs the Rutgers Climate Institute, can discuss some of the climatic factors that affect Atlantic hurricanes. “The state of the tropical Pacific Ocean can influence the number of hurricanes that form in the Atlantic,” he said. “We are currently experiencing an El Nino event in which the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean is warmer than usual. Taken alone, this could lead to fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic, but other factors can also influence hurricane activity.”

Robinson, who oversees the Rutgers NJ Weather Network and helps coordinate the New Jersey Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, is available to comment at [email protected] or 848-445-4741.

Decker is available to comment at [email protected]

Broccoli is available to comment at [email protected] or 848-932-5749.

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Broadcast interviews: Rutgers University has broadcast-quality TV and radio studios available for remote live or taped interviews with Rutgers experts. For more information, contact Neal Buccino at [email protected]

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